Financial Basics

Financial success starts with a solid foundation. Get started today by learning about budgeting and financial basics.

10 Ways to Go Green This Spring

10 Ways to Go Green This Spring

On the Central Coast, “going green” means a lot of things — doing your part for the environment, supporting Cal Poly, hitting the green, saving your green (money), and eating your greens to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whichever you prefer, here are a few ways to go green this spring:

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How Closely Do I Need to Monitor My Credit Score?

How Closely Do I Need to Monitor My Credit Score?

First, let’s clear up a common misconception about credit scores. It’s often thought that you have just one singular score, or one for each of the three credit bureaus. The truth is that you actually have many credit scores. This is due to a number of factors:

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15 Clever Ways to Cut Costs

15 Clever Ways to Cut Costs

During our recent webinar presentation, Money Management in Turbulent Times, we asked our attendees to collaborate and share their top tips for cutting costs. Cutting costs is an important strategy for stretching your budget so you can pay your debt down faster or hit your savings goals quicker.

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Understanding Tax Brackets

Understanding Tax Brackets

There are many misconceptions about how marginal tax brackets work and how they impact your federal tax return. This is what you need to know:For the 2020 tax year (to be filed by in 2021), the IRS set marginal rates of 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. Your tax rate depends on your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household) as well as your taxable income.

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Auto Accident Checklist

Auto Accident Checklist

An automobile accident can be a confusing and stressful event, but being prepared can help you remain calm. It’s important to know what to do immediately after an accident and what to do in the days following.

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7 Tips to Stay Safe While Online Holiday Shopping

7 Tips to Stay Safe While Online Holiday Shopping

As we abide by stay-at-home orders, many of us spend hours in front of the computer each day for work and school. Online retail associations expect online holiday sales to surge by 25% – amounting to between $182 billion and $196 billion. Add this to a 15% increase in online sales from 2018 to 2019.

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The ABCs of Auto Insurance

The ABCs of Auto Insurance

Whether you already have auto insurance or are considering buying some, you may be wondering how much is enough and which types of coverage you need. Here are a few tips to get you started:

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Managing Emotional Spending

Managing Emotional Spending

Does spending lift your spirits when life gets you down? Many of us turn to “retail therapy” when we feel down or stressed, and for a good reason. Studies show that shopping can trigger dopamine, which is a chemical in our brains that makes us feel good and fulfilled.

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The Lowdown on Credit Counseling

The Lowdown on Credit Counseling

Have you ever wondered if credit counseling might help you? Most of us have never stopped to even think about what credit counseling is until we find ourselves facing a financial roadblock. Credit counseling isn’t just for those who need to improve their financial health — it can also help you to be more proactive in maintaining your finances as well.

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